BBC: Pakistan's president has pledged to fight the "cancer" of terrorism after a suicide bomb killed at least 40 people in the capital, Islamabad.
In a televised speech, Asif Ali Zardari appealed to "all democratic forces" to help to save Pakistan.
The bomb, at the Marriott Hotel, left a 20ft (6m) crater. The hotel owner said a lorry blew up as it was being checked by security at the entrance.
US President George W Bush condemned the attack and pledged assistance.
He said it was a "reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism".
He said the US would "assist Pakistan in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice".
'Tonne of explosives'
The blast destroyed the entire front section of the hotel and brought down the ceiling of the banqueting hall.
Witnesses described a scene of horror as blood-covered bodies were pulled from the wreckage and guests and staff ran for cover from shattered glass. Terror Pledge after Pakistan Bomb >>> | September 20, 2008
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